Rick Carter's First Big Adventure (Pete's Barbecue Book 1) by Samuel Belcher Read Free Book Online

foolishness.
          Mr. Ball began to smile slightly.  “We understand things have been a little stressful for you lately.  Please just indulge us a little while, and I think you’ll find this whole inconvenience very accommodating.”  There was a very soothing tone to his voice.  He was almost the polar opposite to his partner’s stiff business-like persona. 
          Mr. Tabert continued.  “There are a few personal matters we would like to address before we continue, Mr. Carter.  We understand that you have had a problem in the past with gambling.”
          Rick was not amused.  “Is that what this is all about? Look, I’m not in the habit of discussing my personal life with…well, anyone.   Nor am I in the habit of justifying myself.  So, what are you two getting at?”
          Mr. Ball smiled again.  “No justifications, Rick.  Just concerns.  Where would you say you are with that?”
           “My friends call me Rick.  I don’t see any friends here.”  Rick hammered back.
          Mr. Ball waved his hand again lazily as if shooing away a fly.  “Please answer the question for us,” He said.
          Rick shook his head. “I used to hit the casinos, some, I’ll admit.  Probably too much.  But, I stopped going.  I put myself on the do-not-admit list.  I still go to the tracks occasionally just to relax, and I buy a lottery ticket each week.  There’s nothing illegal about that.  And I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
          “Please,” Mr. Ball spoke again, “just indulge us.”
        Rick wasn’t persuaded, and he wasn’t intimidated by their switch off tactics.  He was as familiar with the good cop/bad cop routine as anyone.   “Look you guys, I’ve been working with this company for 15 years.  I never heard or seen you guys before, and my boss doesn’t seem to know who you are either.  Are you with the government?”
      Mr. Tabert replied quickly and coldly. “No, not government, as such.  We represent other interests.  We just prefer the term Managers .”  He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a single laminated card for Rick to see. Rick squinted at it and tried quickly to read it before Tabert returned it to his pocket. 
        “Seriously?  Is that out of a cereal box?”   Rick asked suspiciously.
         Mr. Ball looked at his partner confidently.  “I don’t think the gambling is an issue.”
        Mr. Tabert nodded in agreement and started again. “We are trying to tell you that we have a job for you, Mr. Carter, if you’re interested.  Who we are is really irrelevant at this point.  Who you are is irrelevant at this point.  This is simply a remarkably unique job that requires the skills of a person with almost flawless abilities and an unparalleled knowledge of the entire Tampa area, and most importantly; works night shift.”
       “But, I already have a job.  This is what I do.” Rick responded just as coldly.
        Mr. Ball spoke again, “This wouldn’t take you away from your normal job as a taxi driver.  In fact, it would compliment it.  And, there’s no need for any new training or change of location.  When would you say is your least busy time of the night?”
       Rick reflected a moment and then found himself responding even though he felt he should not. “Usually from 2 or 3 to about 6.  Why?”
        Mr. Ball continued, “That would be perfect.  We need you, Mr. Carter, to be available to pick up some, what we like to call, “special” fares from time to time.  They would only be during this time and would not hamper or hinder your life in any other way.  We need you to be available during this time on our call and our call alone.  You would be given an address and told to meet a single individual at that address.  That person will then hand you a note telling you where to take them.  The fare will be paid directly into your account. And,